Gen Z and the Quiet Regression: Why Young Men Are Suddenly Expecting Obedience from Women Again

You know the feeling, right? You're sitting comfortably at a local wine tavern, finished with your schnitzel, enjoying a glass of Grüner Veltliner – and then the conversation turns to young people. Back in the day, we used to get worked up about long hair or loud music. Today, it's more complicated. A whole lot more complicated. Because just when we thought each new generation would automatically be more liberal, more tolerant, more equal, it turns out: On some issues, Generation Z holds shockingly conservative views. Especially when it comes to the roles of men and women.

The Shock for Boomer Parents

A recent, highly discussed study from the UK has confirmed it in black and white: Nearly a third of young men between 16 and 29 believe a wife should obey her husband. Not in conservative religious sects, not in some developing country – but right next door, in a nation we often culturally perceive as progressive. I nearly spit out my coffee when I saw that number. My parents, quintessential boomers, were horrified. They fought for self-determination in the 70s, and now their grandchildren are rolling their eyes at the mention of equality? It really makes you wonder: Have we been looking in the wrong direction all this time?

Mama's Boys and the Prince Effect

Naturally, you immediately wonder: How did it come to this? The answer might be closer than we think. I recently came across a comment by a British columnist that hit a nerve and hasn't left my mind since. She said we mothers (and fathers) should finally stop treating our sons like little princes. No joke. If we teach boys from an early age that the world belongs to them, that they should be served, that they're the strong heroes and girls are the pretty princesses, then we shouldn't be surprised by the outcome later on. This Gen Z didn't just fall from the sky. They're our kids. And a part of them – admittedly, a shockingly large part – seems to have gotten the message exactly as intended: The man is in charge.

Protests Here, Regression There – The Contradictions of a Generation

Here's the confusing part: This same generation, which holds such old-fashioned views, is also the generation taking to the streets for climate action on Fridays. The Gen Z protests against the far-right, against racism, for queer rights – those haven't disappeared. Quite the opposite. But maybe that's precisely the point. We mustn't make the mistake of painting an entire generation with one brush. There isn't just one Gen Z. There are young feminists loudly fighting for change – and there are young men who, in an uncertain world, long for clear structures. And this longing for order can unfortunately manifest in such crude ideas. The economic situation, the housing crisis, climate change – all of this breeds insecurity. And in times of uncertainty, some sadly fall back on what seems tried and tested: the strong man, the obedient woman.

• The Conservative Core: About a third of young men yearn for a return to traditional gender roles.
• The Progressive Vanguard: At the same time, Gen Z is the most diverse and vocal generation when it comes to climate and social protests.
• The Silent Majority: Most are probably just confused, trying to find their own path between TikTok trends and an uncertain future.

The 'Gen Z Stare' and the New Bible

You know that look? That Gen Z stare that twenty-somethings sometimes give you? Like you're a walking fossil who doesn't understand anything about the world. I used to chalk it up to youthful arrogance. Now I wonder: Maybe they're partly right. Maybe we really don't get how their minds work. They have their own Gen Z Bible – except it's not bound in leather, but consists of a thousand TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, and Discord chats. Their rules, their morality, their understanding of respect – all of this is being completely redefined right now. We shouldn't ignore the fact that ancient patterns sometimes resurface in this process. But we also shouldn't simply demonize it. We need to understand it.

What Does This Mean for Austria?

Here in Austria, where the traditional image of family is often still deeply rooted, this development could become particularly interesting. Will Generation Z succeed in this regression? Or will the loud protests from the other half ultimately set the tone? I'm curious to see. And I'm curious about the next conversation at the wine tavern. Because one thing is for sure: Life won't be boring with this generation. They are as contradictory and multi-layered as our times. And we should pay close attention – even if that Gen Z stare sometimes stings a little.